Can disordered eating behaviors reduce maximum oxygen consumption in road cyclists?

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) between road cyclists with and without risk for eating disorders. The sample was composed of 43 cyclists aged 18-25 years, participants of the road cycling championship of the State of Pernambuco. VO2max was measured by a computerized metabolic analyzer during an incremental test in cycleergometer. The initial test load was 50 W, with increments of 25 W every minute until volitional exhaustion or inability to maintain the current load. To evaluate disordered eating behaviors (DEB), the Eating Attitudes Test was used (EAT-26). Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the VO2max between cyclists with (EAT-26 ≥ 21) and without (EAT-26< 21) risk for eating disorders. The findings showed statistically significant VO2max difference between cyclists with and without risk to eating disorders (F (2,41)=28.44; p=0.01), indicating moderate effect size (d = 0.6). It was concluded that DEB was related to cyclists with lower VO2max.Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa foi comparar o consumo m áximo de oxigênio (VO2máx) entre ciclistas de estrada com e sem risco para o desencadeamento de transtornos alimentares. A amostra foi composta por 43 ciclistas com idade entre 18 e 25 anos, participantes do campeonato pernambucano de ciclismo de estrada. O VO2máx foi mensurado por um analisador metabólico computadorizado no decorrer de um teste incremental realizado em cicloergômetro. A c...
Source: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano - Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research